Hens hoping there’ll be room at the inn this Christmas

Hundreds of hardworking hens are hoping to enjoy their first Christmas outside of a cage if enough people come forward to save them from slaughter.

The British Hen Welfare Trust is appealing to the Devonshire public to come forward and offer up their back gardens to a small flock of ex-bats so that they can enjoy Christmas as part of a loving family, rather than the alternative.

There are 600 hens hoping to avoid the slaughter lorry, and they’ll be re-homed in Okehampton on Saturday, 16 December and in South Molton on Sunday, 17 December.

Though it may be wet and miserable outside, these hens would love nothing more than to experience crisp fresh air and dewy grass under their feet for the first time, so don’t let the weather put you off re-homing. Of course they’d also appreciate a few presents under the tree in the form of some chicken treats, and will undoubtedly return the gift in form of a delicious egg, or two.

These hens are 18 months old and are being sent to slaughter because their egg laying may have slowed down or become somewhat irregular. However these friendly little hens will often carry on popping out eggs for you to enjoy for breakfast, or perhaps for a glass of eggnog on Christmas morning.

Jane Howorth, charity founder and South Molton co-ordinator, said: “Christmas is a feel-good time of year, and nothing is more rewarding than knowing you’ve saved lives by re-homing these hens. They’re the most wonderful pets, and I’d urge anyone considering adopting some ex-bats to simply do it and make more Christmas wishes come true!”

To re-home some hens simply register your details at www.bhwt.org.uk and then call 01884 860084 to speak to the charity’s friendly re-homing team based at Hen Central who will tell you everything you need to know.